An analysis of the concept of epitedeuma in Plato’s Republic: Its contributions to clarifying our understanding of jobs

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The purpose of this paper is to think about the very nature of our jobs by analyzing the concept of epitedeuma which is a kernel concept of justice in Plato's Republic. Showing the shortcomings of the current usuage of justice in his time, Plato proposes a new definition of justice: Justice as doing one's own epitedeuma without interfering with others’ epitedeumata, which Plato considers as a fundamental to the existence of a state. In an effort to discover what justice is, Plato construct a just state, though in words only. Constructing a state, Plato tells us that the origin of a state stems from the dependency of people on one another; the human inability to survive alone in the world reveals the importance of ‘other people,’ and thereby offers a moral education. Recognizing the inevitability of the division of labor, Plato’s sees that a just state is one in which a man can contribute to the good of the state while realizing his potential by concentrating on his epitedeuma. Plato’s analysis of conditions required for a successful epitedeuma can provide concrete help for us to conceptualize the meaning of our jobs. This can enlighten us who tend to regard our occupations mainly as financial rewards. Our jobs are, in fact, deeply intertwined with the aims of our lives. Furthermore, Plato leads us to realize that the respect and appreciation of other people regardless their jobs is not just a rational choice, but a prerequisite for a peaceful just state, and thereby offers a character eduction.

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